litical groups coming together to form a Naga National Government, the air of hope was shaken on Saturday as cadres of the NSCN (K) and NSCN (IM) engaged in heavy gun battle at Akhoya village jurisdiction, some 60 kms from Mokokchung town, that lasted for nearly two hours.
There are no reports of any casualties from either side.
Additional Superintendent of Police of Mokokchung, Yarenthung Ngullie said the exchange of fire happened some 3 km away from Akhoya village, which falls under Changtongya Police Station.
On hearing the gunfight, OC Changtongya PS, SDO (Civil) Changtongya and the public, went near the site of the incident.
In true Naga character, villagers from Akhoya village, numbering around 500 and armed with daos and spears, chased away armed groups of the NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (K) from the vicinity of the village, while both factions were engaged in the gunbattle.
However, in view of forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, district authorities have beefed up security with intensive patrolling by security forces including Tripura State Police stationed at Changtongya for area domination besides conducting MVCP.
Sources disclosed, as per reports, the NSCN (K) cadres were ‘passing through’ the jungle and were halting in a place when the NSCN (IM) cadres got wind of their movement and attacked them. He suggested that the NSCN (K) cadres might be moving to the neighbouring districts.
Meanwhile, the officials of the Ao Senden visited Akhoya village on Saturday and interacted with citizens regarding the gunfight in the area.
The Ao Senden officials were led by their President Prof Sangyu Yaden.
While strongly condemning the gunfight, Prof. Yaden maintained that such ‘factional fights’ are detrimental to the peace process and reconciliation efforts, especially at a time when all Naga people are crying for peace and reconciliation.
General Secretary, Ao Senden, Supong Longchar questioned why such ‘factional fights’ have become frequent during election. Prof. Sangyu, raising a similar query, asked why the factions remain ‘dormant’ most of the year and become active during the Indian election process. (UNI)